Located about 30 minutes from Kathmandu on a ridge 8 kilometers southwest of the city. Kirtipur, an ancient Newar town, is a little hill town with paved streets lined by typical red-brick houses and tiled roofs, as well as temple squares. An experience in itself, its age-old traditional Newari buildings blending with the new is a sight you wouldn’t want to miss. Apart from its architecture, Kirtipur is a lively town that hosts a variety of traditional events known as Jatras in Nepali, which visitors can attend. The most well-known Jatras are Indrayani Jatra in November and December, and Bagh Bhairab Jatra in August.
The Chilamchu Stupa and the Bagh Bhairab Temple are the main lures here. Bagh Bhairab is without a doubt the most well-known temple with Gurkha weapons on display. Other popular temples in the area include Aadinath Temple and Lohan Dega. Aside from the temples, you can also walk around Manjushree Park, hike to Chobhar Gorge, or go birdwatching at Taudaha Lake, which is located south of Kirtipur. Nepal’s oldest university, Tribhuvan University, is in the foothills of Kirtipur. After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax with your friends at one of the Newari eateries and spend the rest of the day munching on delectable Newari cuisine.
